transmission swap - who's done it???

[zman]

Call me crazy, but I'm contemplating swapping out my DTT auto for a 5 or 6 speed. When pulling a load, the auto always seems to up shift just when I don't want it to - or the TC locks up when I don't want it to. Too bad the shift points aren't electronically controlled. Don't get me wrong, the DTT setup is awsome for an auto transmission, but I'm looking for more control over when the transmission shifts.



I thought I had seen some posts on swapping the auto out for a manual, but I can't seem to find them. Anyone have experience in making the swap? Is it a PITA or is it relatively straight forward? I figure good rebuildable 5 speeds should be plentiful, but I'm guessing used 6 speeds might be difficult to come by.



Are there any other options that don't involve swapping the transmission (other than selling - I have too much $$$ plowed into my truck) that might work? Any insight is much appreciated. Thanks!



Steve

 

[LSMITH]

I hear you Steve, I would give the left one for a 6 speed. My stock TC sucks. If you decide to sell the DTT stuff to make up some of the difference in the swap let me know. It will be interesting to see what the board says, I did some preliminary research into swapping to a 6 speed about 6 months ago and nearly fell over at the price. Enterprise Engine does the conversions, and DTT has done a few transmission swaps as well. Might give them a call and see what they have to say.

 

[Briar Hopper]

I second what LSmith says, Steve, Loretta's truck had an auto, now it has a six speed. Enterprise Engine has both 5 and 6 speeds sitting around, for sale. And some mighty mean clutches, too.

Have you talked to Bill? Your auto might be adjustable to where it won't shift when you don't want it to. Have you thought about putting in a manual valve body? That'd be way cool and super slick on the drag strip. With a floor mounted slap stick shifter, or one of those good looking ones from B & M .

Ask Bill if a manual valve body would work for you, pulling a load. I don't know, only know what I've picked up here and there. I'd talk to Bill before I gave up a perfectly great auto.

 

[Strick-9]

zman,



I pull heavy loads all the time with my truck. I obviously don't pull trailers at WOT with 400+ HP. I am easy on the throttle and this gives me fairly early shift points.



I just pull it down into manual low and accelerate to 2800-3000 RPM in each gear. Then I back out of the throttle just like you would on a manual and bump it into the next gear.



It's much easier on the transmission this way too. I'll admit that this method is not as simple as normal automatic driving, but it is definately easier than shifting a 5 spd.



If your only complaint is early shifting, why don't you try manual shifting for a while? Also install a TC unlock switch so you can keep the TC from locking until you are up to cruising speed.



-Chris

 

[Lsfarm]

Manual vs Auto

Hi Steve, I would call Bill, I've got to believe that he can fix you up with a manual shift. Actually I think you can do a simple adjustment on the shift cable and make it so that you have to lift the pedal to get an upshift. Call Bill or me and you could give it a try, after all it's free! and easily reversable.



Happy Holidays Greg L

 

[Bill Kondolay]

Zman,



You are definately not crazy, the desire to control shift points on an automatic is one of the last hurdles left in the diesel industry.



The Dodge Ram drivers are very diversifed, no one software is going to work. When you are dealing with 18 year olds hot shots to 80 year old rv'ers and vis versa shift points can get pretty tricky.



Is it possible to control the shift points for the individual needs, the answer is yes. Is the technology available,its comming.

We already have about 6months worth of data on this already.

We tried to hire this young fella, but he is wishy washy, he refuses to go back to school.



In the mean time we can adjust your shift points as we do have the ability to control lockup and overdrive already.



Give me a call if you wish and we can discuss it.

 

[CTabor]

To bad it ani't red or i just mite swap pickups with you as mine is a 5 spd.

 

[klenger]

I traded a 6 month old 5 speed to get a 6 speed. It cost me about $3000 in depreciation over the hit for the 10,000 miles it had. Still cheaper than trying to swap out the transmission. I also switched to 4. 10's, and a long wheel base in the process, plus a few other goodies. Since you have a 2001 truck, you have a lot of equity towards a new one if you were to trade. I think it gets harder after they are a little older and the price diff. gets greater.

 

[zman]

new trick?

Thanks for the replies, guys. It looks like Bill K. may have a new trick up his sleeve in the near future! In addition to controling lockup and up shifts, I'd also like better control of the down shifts when slowing down. The manual valve body sounds intriguing. How does the manual setup work and what does it entail?



Bill, are you going to be in the shop between Xmas and New Years? If so, I'll give you a call then.



Steve

 

[HVAC]

Tiptronic

I really like my manual valve body.

It's the best of both worlds.

No clutch and full control of the shift points.



It's a DTT version of the Tiptronic transmission